Rifle vented upper receiver

ABSTRACT

Methods for directing a casing are provided. The method can include firing a firearm. The firearm can comprise an upper receiver having a bore disposed therein. The bore can extend along a longitudinal axis of the upper receiver. The upper receiver can also include an ejection port disposed through a first side of the upper receiver. The upper receiver can also include a deflector extending from the upper receiver at a first end of the ejection port. The deflector can be designed to direct the casing in a forward direction.

BACKGROUND

Field

This invention relates to the general field of an upper receiver assembly for a firearm.

Description of the Related Art

Current firearms have many limitations that can potentially place a user at risk of harm. As an example, firearms are designed to direct an ejecting shell casing in a rearward or backward direction, which may result in the user or a bystander being contacted by the hot shell casing.

Many inventors have attempted to protect the shooter from ejected shell casings through the use of a shell deflector, as can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,406. Typical shell deflector designs deflect the ejected shell casing to the side or rear of the gun or shooter. However, the shell deflector designs in use today frequently fail to deflect the ejected shell casing away from the shooter in a dependable manner. A failure to reliably deflect the hot shell casing is especially harmful for left handed shooters where a non-properly deflected casing often hits them in the arms or face.

Additionally, certain components of a firearm, particularly rifles classified as semiautomatic rifles, can become hot when numerous rounds are fired in a short period of time. As a result, the firearm may become overheated and dangerous to continue firing. Also, the prior art contains components that are no longer necessary, but add to the weight of the firearm.

Accordingly, a need exists for a firearm that can eject a casing in a reliable matter and in a direction away from a user or bystander. A need also exists for a lighter firearm that is resistant to overheating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a right side perspective view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 2 depicts a left side perspective view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 3 depicts a top side perspective view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom side view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 6 depicts a left side view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 7 depicts a front side view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 8 depicts a rear side view of an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 9 depicts a right side view of a portion of an assembled firearm including an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 10 depicts another right side view of a portion of an assembled firearm including an upper receiver, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 11 depicts a left side view of an assembled firearm, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 12a depicts a top side view of an upper receiver where a casing is striking a deflector, according to one or more embodiments described.

FIG. 12b depicts a top side view of an upper receiver where a casing is deflected in a forward direction, according to one or more embodiments described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A design and a method for using a firearm is provided. Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, an upper receiver 100 can have a first side or “right side” 101, a second side or “left side” 103, a top side 105, and a bottom side 107. The first side 101 of the upper receiver 100 can include an injection port 111, one or more vents 109, 113, 121, and a deflector 123. The upper receiver 100 can include a barrel connector 141 that is configured to attach the upper receiver 100 to a barrel (not shown) at a forward or front end of the upper receiver 100. The upper receiver 100 can include one or more lower receiver connectors 143, 145 that are configured to attach the upper receiver 100 to a lower receiver (not shown). The upper receiver 100 can be formed with one or more accessory rails. For example, a top rail 149 can form or be positioned about the top side 105 of the upper receiver 100. In at least one embodiment, the top rail 149 can be a separate piece of material and configured to be attached to the top side 105 of the upper receiver 100.

The upper receiver 100 can include a main body having a bore 151 disposed therein, wherein the bore 151 extends along a longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 100. The bore 151 can define or otherwise be referred to as the inside or interior of the upper receiver 100.

An ejection port 111 can be disposed in the first side 101 or second side 103 of the upper receiver 100. The ejection port 111 can be an opening or window to the interior or bore 151 of the upper receiver 100. In other words, the ejection port 111 can traverse a wall of the upper receiver 100 and provide an opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 100. The ejection port 111 can be shaped such that a cartridge and/or a casing can fit through the ejection port 111 so that the cartridge and/or casing can be inserted into and/or removed from the interior of the upper receiver 100 through the ejection port 111. Accordingly, the ejection port 111 can have a generally elliptical or a generally rectangular shape. The ejection port 111 can be configured and/or sized to accommodate multiple sizes of cartridge and/or casing.

The deflector 123 can extend laterally and/or outwardly from the main body of the upper receiver 100. The deflector 123 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 100. One or more portions of the deflector 123 can be forged or cut from the same material as the main body of the upper receiver 100. In at least one embodiment, the deflector 123 can be a separate piece of material and the deflector 123 can be attached by any suitable means to the main body of the upper receiver 100. The deflector 123 can be positioned at or about the rear end 117, or first end, of the ejection port 111.

The deflector 123 can have four or more surfaces, five or more surfaces, six or more surfaces, seven or more surfaces, or eight or more surfaces. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 123 can have a first surface 125, which can also be referred to herein as the “contact surface,” a second surface 127, a third surface 129, a fourth surface 131, and a fifth surface 133. In one or more embodiments, the contact surface 125 can also be, or otherwise extend from, the rear end 117 of the ejection port 111. The contact surface 125 can be configured to have a concave shape and have the dimensions similar to or the same as the rear end 117 of the ejection port 111. In at least one embodiment, the contact surface 125 can have an elliptical shape having a radius greater than the radius of the elliptical shape of the ejection port 111. The contact surface 125 of the deflector 123 can be configured to deflect an ejecting or ejected cartridge or casing in a forward direction related to its longitudinal axis L. For example, the contact surface 125 can be configured to deflect an ejecting casing toward or in the general direction of the barrel connector 141.

The upper receiver 100 can include one or more vents 109, 113, 121. The vents 109, 113, 121 can include a hole or opening through the side(s) 101, 103 of the upper receiver 100. The vents 109, 113, 121 can provide air access to the inside or bore 151 of the upper receiver 100, which can provide cooling to the upper receiver 100 and any components located within the upper receiver 100 (e.g., a bolt carrier group). The vents 109, 113, 121 can enhance the usability and function of the upper receiver 100 as part of a firearm because the vents 109, 113, 121 reduce the overall weight of the upper receiver 100.

The upper receiver 100 can include one or more vents 113, 121 on the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100. One or more of these vents 113 (four are shown) can be positioned to the rear of or posterior to the deflector 123. The vents 113 located in the rear of the deflector 123 can be referred to herein as “posterior vents.” In one or more embodiments, the upper receiver 100 and the posterior vents 113 take the place of the forward assist mechanism typically found in semiautomatic rifles. Replacing a forward assist mechanism with vents 113 reduces the weight of the upper receiver 100 and provides more efficient cooling to the upper receiver 100 during use. The one or more vents 113 can be elongated in shape and can extend generally from about the top side 105 toward the bottom side 107 of the upper receiver 100. The upper receiver 100 can include one posterior vent, two posterior vents, three posterior vents, four posterior vents, five posterior vents, six posterior vents, seven posterior vents, eight posterior vents, nine posterior vents, ten posterior vents, eleven posterior vents, or twelve posterior vents on the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100.

In one or more embodiments, the upper receiver 100 can include one or more vents 121, or “subjacent vents,” below or subjacent to the ejection port 111 (eight are shown). The one or more subjacent vents can be located along the bottom of the first side 101 and/or the second side 103 of the upper receiver 100. The upper receiver 100 can include zero subjacent vents, one subjacent vent, two subjacent vents, three subjacent vents, four subjacent vents, five subjacent vents, six subjacent vents, seven subjacent vents, eight subjacent vents, nine subjacent vents, ten subjacent vents, eleven subjacent vents, twelve subjacent vents, thirteen subjacent vents, fourteen subjacent vents, fifteen subjacent vents, sixteen subjacent vents, seventeen subjacent vents, eighteen subjacent vents, nineteen subjacent vents, or twenty subjacent vents.

The upper receiver 100 can include one or more vents 109 (twelve are shown) one the second side 103 of the upper receiver 100. The one or more vents 109 can be elongated in shape and can extend generally from the top side 105 to the bottom side 107 of the upper receiver 100. The second side 103 of the upper receiver 100 can include zero vents, one vent, two vents, three vents, four vents, five vents, six vents, seven vents, eight vents, nine vents, ten vents, eleven vents, twelve vents, thirteen vents, fourteen vents, fifteen vents, sixteen vents, seventeen vents, eighteen vents, nineteen vents, or twenty vents.

The upper receiver 100 can be configured to attach to one or more additional components. For example, the upper receiver 100 can be configured to attach to a barrel, or rifle barrel, at or about the barrel connector 141. The barrel can be connected to the upper receiver 100 in such a way that a bore of the barrel aligns with the bore 151, or a portion of the bore 151, of the upper receiver 100. The top rail 149 can be configured to attach or otherwise connect to one or more rail attachments (not shown). For example, the top rail 149 can be configured to be attached to a scope, a light, a laser, and/or a handle. In one or more embodiments, the top rail 149 functions as an accessory mounting rail, widely known as a Picatinny rail or Weaver rail.

The one or more lower receiver connectors 143, 145 can include one or more takedown pins, and the takedown pins can secure a lower receiver to the upper receiver 100. The lower receiver can be attached to a butt stock and/or a pistol grip. A fire control group including any of a trigger, a selector/safety switch, and a bolt hold open device, can be coupled to the lower receiver. In one or more embodiments, any one or more component(s) of the fire control group can be coupled to the upper receiver 100. Additionally, a magazine well, a cartridge feeding device, and/or a belt feed device can be separately formed and connected to the upper receiver 100 or lower receiver.

FIG. 7 depicts a front side view of the upper receiver 100 and FIG. 8 depicts a rear side view of the upper receiver 100. The deflector 123 can extend from the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100. The upper receiver 100 can have a generally hexagonal or generally cylidrical shape about its exterior surface. The barrel connector 141 can have a generally circular or cylindrical shape. The top side 105 and/or the top rail can extend upwards from the main body of the upper receiver 100. The lower receiver connector 143 can extend downwards from the bottom side 107 of the upper receiver 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the deflector 123 can extend from an upper portion of the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100. In another embodiment, the deflector 123 can be connected to a larger portion of the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100 than is shown. For example, the deflector 123 can extend from a section of the first side 101 that is about two thirds (⅔) the height of the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100. In another example, the deflector 123 can extend from a section of the first side 101 that is about three fourths (¾) the height of the first side 101 of the upper receiver 100.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 depict a right side view of an upper receiver 100, where the upper receiver 100 is a part of an assembled firearm 900. The firearm can include a rifle, pistol, and/or shotgun. The rifle, when assembled or partially assembled, can include any one or more of a lower receiver 907, a pistol grip 913, a barrel 905, a magazine 915, and a butt stock 909. As shown, a bolt carrier group (“BCG”) 912 can be disposed in the bore 151, or otherwise positioned in the interior of the upper receiver 100. The BCG 912 can contain any one or more of the following: a bolt, a firing pin, a bolt carrier, a gas key or bolt carrier key, a firing pin retaining pin, a cam system including a cam pen, a bolt gas ring, a windage knob pin, an extractor pin, an extractor, an extractor spring, an ejector spring, an ejector, and any other components, any or all of which may be common to or used in a BCG 912.

When the firearm 900 is at rest (as shown in FIG. 9), the BCG 912 can be in a forward position, where the bolt can be seen in or can otherwise fill the ejection port 111. When the bolt assembly of the firearm 900 is moved to an open position, the BCG 912 is pushed rearward. As the bolt moves far enough back to expose the entire cartridge or casing 912 (as shown in FIG. 10), the firearm 900 is positioned to eject the cartridge or casing 921 through the ejection port 111.

FIG. 11 depicts a left side view of the assembled firearm 900. The firearm 900 and each of its components can be configured to shoot any one or more of a variety of cartridges. For example, the firearm 900 and each of its components can be configured to shoot one or more of: .17 HMR, .17 Winchester Super Magnum, .22 Long Rifle, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, .17 Remington, .17×223, .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum, .25 Winchester Super Short Magnum, .277 Wolverine, .30 Carbine, .30 Remington AR, 300 AAC Blackout (7.62×35 mm), .300 Whisper, .375 Reaper, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf, .50 Action Express, 5.45×39 mm, 5.7×28 mm FN, 6.5 mm Grendel, 6.5 mm Patriot Combat Cartridge, 6.8 mm Remington SPC, 7.62×37 mm Musang, 7.62×39 mm, 7.62×40 mm Wilson Tactical, 9 mm Parabellum, 10 mm Auto, 5.56×45 mm, .50 BMG, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 7 mm-08 Remington, .308 Winchester, 7.62×51 mm NATO, .338 Federal, .358 Winchester, or .45 RAPTOR. In at least one embodiment, the firearm 900 can be configured to shoot a custom built cartridge of any caliber.

FIG. 12a depicts a top side view of an upper receiver 1210 as part of a firearm 1200, where a casing 1212 is striking a deflector 1123 and FIG. 12b depicts a top side view of an upper receiver 1210 as part of the firearm 1200 where the casing 1212 has been deflected in a forward direction by the deflector 1123. A cartridge (not shown) or casing 1212 can be ejected from the firearm 1200 through the ejection port 1211 by a user manually opening the bolt assembly of the firearm 1200 or by the firing of the firearm 1200. To initiate firing the firearm 1200, a user can pull the trigger. When the trigger is pulled, the front edge of the trigger moves downward, the hammer can be disengaged, which allows the hammer spring to drive the hammer forward into the firing pin. This action causes the firing pin to move slightly forward, impacting the primer of the cartridge and igniting the powder charge in the cartridge.

The igniting powder causes a rapid build-up of pressure inside the cartridge until the pressure overcomes the press fit of the bullet in the cartridge. Once this pressure can be reached, the bullet can be expelled from the cartridge and projected down the barrel. As the bullet travels down the barrel, gas pressure can be trapped behind the bullet.

In one or more embodiments, once the bullet passes the gas port, part of this gas pressure can be allowed to escape through a gas tube and back to a bolt carrier key. In such an embodiment, the gas passes through the hollow bolt carrier key into the bolt. The high gas pressure inside the bolt causes the bolt carrier to be forced rearward. This action unlocks the bolt due to the bolt cam pin causing the bolt to turn inside the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier group is driven rearward, it re-cocks the hammer for the next round. The bolt also carries the empty shell casing 1212 with it because the extractor has gripped the rim of the casing 1212. The ejector pin inside the bolt pushes forward on the casing 1212 on the left side, causing the casing 1221 to move to the right. A spring-loaded ejector can be located on the face of the bolt and the spring-loaded ejector can push in a rightward direction. With the casing 1212 held by the extractor on the right and being pushed at the left by the ejector, the casing 1212 can be ejected from the upper receiver 1210 once the casing 1212 has moved to the rear far enough that it can clear the ejection port 1211.

As the casing 1212 is ejected from the firearm 1200 through the ejection port 1211, the casing 1212 can rotate in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 12a ). During this clockwise rotational spin, the casing 1212 can strike the deflector 1123. As the casing 1212 strikes the deflector 1123, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 in a forward direction. A “forward direction,” as used herein, can mean a direction generally toward the front of the firearm 1200 and/or away from the user. A “forward direction” can mean a direction forward of the position of the deflector 1123. As shown in FIG. 12b , an imaginary line P can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. As shown in FIG. 12b , the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210 toward the barrel can represent the most forward direction, or 0 degrees, and a path perpendicular P to the longitudinal axis L and on the right side of the upper receiver 1210 can be 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis L.

In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 40 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 50 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 75 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210.

In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 25 degrees to about 75 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210.

In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210. In one or more embodiments, the deflector 1123 can direct the casing 1212 along a path about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis L of the upper receiver 1210.

A firearm equipped with the deflector described herein provides several benefits to the user. Primarily, by directing a casing in a forward direction, the user has a reduced risk of being struck by or otherwise coming into contact with a hot casing since the user is positioned to the rear of or otherwise behind the upper receiver of the firearm. These hot casings can cause serious burns if the casing comes into contact with a user's skin or clothing. The forward direction of the casing also prevents persons who may be standing next to the user from being struck or contacted by the hot casing. Therefore, the user and/or any bystanders will avoid the harm and destruction caused by casings directed in a rearward direction. Moreover, a left handed shooter will not be at risk of hot, ejected casing coming into contact with his/her body.

Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1-3. (canceled)
 4. An upper receiver, comprising: a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the upper receiver; an ejection port disposed through a first side of the upper receiver; and one or more vents disposed through the first side of the upper receiver.
 5. The upper receiver of claim 4, further comprising one or more vents disposed through a second side of the upper receiver.
 6. The upper receiver of claim 5, wherein the one or more vents are elongated in shape and extend generally from a top side of the upper receiver toward a bottom side of the upper receiver.
 7. The upper receiver of claim 5, wherein three or more vents are disposed through each of the first side and a second side of the upper receiver.
 8. The upper receiver of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more vents is disposed behind the ejection port.
 9. The upper receiver of claim 4, further comprising a deflector having a curved contact surface.
 10. An upper receiver, comprising: a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the upper receiver; an ejection port disposed through a first side of the upper receiver; a deflector having a curved contact surface; and one or more vents disposed through a first side and a second side of the upper receiver.
 11. The upper receiver of claim 10, wherein the deflector extends from a section of the first side that is about three fourths the height of the first side of the upper receiver and wherein the deflector has five or more surfaces.
 12. The upper receiver of claim 10, further comprising two lower receiver connectors configured to connect the upper receiver to a lower receiver, each having a takedown pin.
 13. The upper receiver of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more vents is disposed through the first side behind the ejection port.
 14. A method for directing a casing, comprising: firing a firearm, wherein the firearm comprises: an upper receiver having a bore disposed therein, wherein the bore extends along a longitudinal axis of the upper receiver; one or more vents disposed through the first side of the upper receiver; and an ejection port disposed through a first side of the upper receiver, wherein a deflector extends from the ejection port and directs a casing in a forward direction.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the deflector directs a casing forward along a path about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the upper receiver.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the deflector directs a casing forward along a path about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the upper receiver.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the deflector directs a casing forward along a path about 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the upper receiver.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the deflector has a contact surface with an elliptical shape having a radius greater than the first end of the ejection port. 